Strategies for renovating a home to make it resistant to weather and future-proof: guidelines for renovation
In the face of increasingly extreme weather conditions, it's crucial that our homes are equipped to withstand the elements, especially in exposed locations. This is a topic of great importance, discussed by experts like Markus Hennecke and Alexander Steinfeldt.
When it comes to flood-prone areas, essential infrastructure like heating and home technology should be moved to the upper floors permanently. Additionally, owners of older buildings can protect their houses against storms, heavy rain, and flooding by inspecting and addressing typical weak points. Measures such as ensuring intact basement waterproofing, installing backflow preventers in sewage systems, fitting pressure-resistant windows and doors, and regularly maintaining gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are all vital.
A perfectly climate-adapted house that withstands all weather conditions is difficult to achieve with a renovation. However, combining building protection for the future with adaptations to current climate changes can be done. Installing a photovoltaic system or greening part of the roof during renovation, for example, can potentially reduce energy costs.
Sufficient insulation is key to keeping the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer. This should be supplemented with good windows, ideally triple-glazed with an outer thermal protection coating. De-sealing larger areas of the property can also allow some water to seep into the ground during heavy rain instead of flowing into the basement.
Basement windows should be water-tight and ideally only open outward to prevent flooding from pushing them shut. In risk areas, the floor and walls of basements should be waterproof. However, securing the basement against pressure water is sensible, but it's no guarantee it will always stay dry.
An individual consultation beforehand is usually sensible. Many municipalities, consumer centers, or energy consulting offices offer free or subsidized climate risk or heavy rain consultations. Environmental and building authorities, as well as local water boards, can provide valuable information. An initial assessment of potential risks can be provided by hazard maps.
In some cases, Kellers filled to the brim are symbolic of the consequences of climate change. Heavy rain and flooding can affect basements, making it essential to approach renovation needs-based and holistically. Renovating a single-family home should involve considering possible weather events and including appropriate protective measures.
Heat pumps can provide cooling as well as heating, reducing indoor temperatures by three to five degrees passively through the heating system. The budget and existing building substance can determine what is possible during a renovation. Approaching renovation needs-based and holistically can help face storms, heavy rain, and heat more calmly in the future.
Resilient buildings are designed to resist extreme climate events and quickly return to operation after weather events. It is important to first tackle measures that make the house fit for climate change and are economically sensible. Katja Fischer, another expert in the field, emphasises the importance of this approach.
In conclusion, building resilient homes is not just about withstanding extreme weather, but also about adapting to a changing climate. By taking the right measures and seeking expert advice, we can make our homes safer and more sustainable for the future.
